Thaneish: Push yourself to speak even when it feels awkward – eventually, it will become second nature.
I WAS never a chatty person when I was younger. I found it difficult to talk to new acquaintances and make friends.
Whenever these social situations arose, my heart would pound in my chest, and I would feel a tightness across it.
Even when I had strong points to make, I could not communicate them well. I was also extremely inept at understanding other people’s perspectives.
The turning point came when my mother registered me for an online Model United Nations (MUN) competition when I was 11, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the first few rounds of debate, I felt disheartened. My speeches were choppy and dry – just a few sentences strung together, barely getting my point across.
I had no idea what to do. It felt hopeless. I was on the verge of giving up, but something kept pushing me forward, telling me I could do it – that my points were valid but my delivery needed work.
So, I focused on one speech at a time. That was when I began to feel better – not just about speaking, but about stepping out of my comfort zone in a way I never had before.
Choosing to pursue public speaking and debate has changed me for the better. I now feel more confident expressing my opinions and making myself heard. It has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with like-minded, talented individuals.
I no longer feel anxious about being judged for what I say. I feel freer, as if a heavy weight has been lifted – though I still relapse occasionally.
It is difficult to pinpoint when, but I knew this newfound confidence was a gift – an opportunity to spark change. So, I began joining more debate and MUN conferences to meet new people and strengthen my communication skills. I have received the “Most Improved Delegate” award and the “Most Outstanding Delegate” award in two conferences.
All of this had an after-effect: the desire to use my voice for good.
When you are unafraid to speak up, to discuss important topics, and to contribute as part of the generation who will inherit the world, there is a certain high to it – though it is important to stay grounded and avoid sounding self-important.
I want to keep growing so I can make an impact on those around me. Since September last year, I have taken on new roles – chairing and crisis-directing in MUN conferences – and I also founded my school’s MUN club.
This has allowed me to guide fellow delegates, share tips, and give my schoolmates the opportunity to experience the same life-changing growth I went through.
I still continue to hone my skills. I have assumed several leadership roles with differing responsibilities, such as serving as commander of my school’s sports house from 2023 to 2024, and becoming head prefect this year while focusing on my International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams.
The desire to grow and change lives gets me out of bed each morning. I don’t yet know what my full potential is, but I want to reach it. I hope to empower others to speak up – with the following tips.
1. Grow through practice
It is important to push past your fears and start talking. Yes, you will feel terrified at first, but that feeling will fade – and when it does, you will feel incredibly empowered.
A good place to start is at school. Step outside your age group and join extracurricular clubs to connect with older students. Try out for leadership roles. Keep reminding yourself to speak up – it will become a habit over time.
2. Read up
To build confidence, read up on topics that interest you, especially global issues or current events. For instance, I am fascinated by the militarisation in East Asia. I have found that people who are well-informed are often eager to discuss such topics.
Sports is another great conversation starter. People love talking about their favourite Formula One driver or football team. Shared interests often lead to lasting friendships. I have made many friends simply because we support the same football club.
3. Frame your ideas
If you want to be heard, start with a bold statement. This will immediately catch listeners’ interest. Then back it up with a logical, fact-based explanation and draw a sound conclusion.
Most importantly, don’t shy away from opposing viewpoints. Embrace the clash of ideas – but be respectful and acknowledge valid points from others.
4. Build fluency
A strong grasp of language boosts self-esteem and helps you make a good first impression. Read widely, and keep a small notebook of interesting words. Try to use them in daily conversations.
Push yourself to speak even when it feels awkward – eventually, it will become second nature.
5. Never stop
Keep striving to improve, and don’t back down from challenges. As you grow, stay humble. A good leader listens before they speak. Most of all, aim to leave an impact on your community – something that endures beyond your time.
Don’t keep the treasure to yourself. Share your lessons and help others grow, too.
Thaneish, 17, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1. In pairs, choose three nouns or verbs from this article. Then, create a short dialogue using those words. Present it to the class.
2. Pair up and take turns talking about a news article that you found most interesting in today’s newspaper.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
